Celebrating its 100-year anniversary, Kwiat Diamonds announced that it is opening its first-ever flagship location at 725 Madison Avenue in New York City for late Summer 2009.

Kwiat hired the architecture firm Barteluce Architects & Associates to successfully execute the company¹s vision of balancing the decorative with contemporary elements that make the space at once timeless and modern. For Kwiat, the goal was to create an environment that brought to life the same elements found in fine diamond jewelry, including craftsmanship, detail,light, balance and drama, says architect Dan Barteluce.

Drama is exemplified in the store¹s grand atrium, which boasts 18-foot-high ceilings that greet customers as they enter the store. Customers then move through a low canopy into a more intimate setting where Kwiat¹s one-of-a-kind pieces are on display. Two facing rows of custom-made display cases feature satin nickel, framing glass counters and smoky blue wood supporting the bases. A large white marble stairway pulls the eye to the back of the space; flanking the stairs are two curved walls imbedded with vitrines that showcase the jewelry in a gallery setting.